Despite drought Odisha records 4% hike in paddy procurement in Kharif

Despite the drought, Odisha has recorded an increase of 4% in paddy procurement during the Kharif season. While target for paddy procurement for the season was 40.17 lakh metric tonne, 41.69 lakh metric tonne paddy has been procured in the state by the end of March, said an official.

The government has set a target to procure 10.29 lakh metric tonne paddy this Rabi season, which can be increased if the situation so demands, the official added.

“State Level Procurement Committee (SLPPC) meeting chaired by the chief secretary was held today. Our preparedness for the Rabi season and achievement in the Kharif season was reviewed at the meeting. By March 31 we have procured 41.69 lakh metric tonne paddy which is around 4% more than the previous year. For Rabi season, we have fixed a target of 7 lakh metric tonne in terms of rice. We may increase the target if the need arises,” said Madhusudan Padhi, secretary Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare.

The state government today decided to begin paddy procurement in 19 districts of the state for the Rabi season from the second week of May and continue till the end of June.